Einem Mann drohen sechs Monate, weil er eine antisemitische Verschwörungstheorie auf das Anne-Frank-Haus projiziert hat

6 comments

1. There will be a lot of freedom of speech absolutists who claim this means a lack of free speech.

   And they have a point.

   But that isn’t the only point. This isn’t a pithy remark, it isnt a question, it is an accusation that Anne frank and the Holocaust is made up.

   And maybe a free speech absolutist is on board with that. It is ok.

   But that accusation can’t exist in a vacuum. It requires an assertion that all Jews who survived the Holocaust, lies. That families of them made it up.

   And maybe a lot of free speech absolutists are ok with that.

   But that leads to people being attacked or publicly harassed for being Jewish, speaking facts. A country, recognizing how terribly that can end up and pushing laws to prevent it happening is generally a good thing.

   I’m not gonna judge the Netherlands, for having a law like this, given their history.

2. I am a free speech absolutist. My ancestors were killed in Auschwitz and I tend to take the view that we should not adopt the same anti-speech laws as their murderers.

   However, this isn’t a free speech issue. This is someone who harassed and intimidated people who are visiting a place of tremendous historical value and emotional significance. Harassment and intimidation should be prosecuted.

3. Why are Americans so fascinated by other countries not following their ridiculous freedom of speech doctrine? It’s a meaningless phrase to the world. Clearly was right to charge this man

4. You are free to say whatever you want, but you are not free from the consequences

5. He’s in jail as he should be.

6. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequence.